To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning, Green Leaf Class!
Quilting party time is almost here and this room parent is very excited! I managed to find some beautiful samples and scraps, thanks to a fabulous friend of mine, and the ouchless needles just came in today. Perfect for little hands!
Just a reminder that if you’re having trouble with the silk screen app for your child’s picture, let me know. I have ties to the company and can push it on ahead if it’s too difficult.
Please remember we’ll only accept a photo if it contains both your child and Ms. Murphy. As cute as our kiddos are, I’m sure each of you have some special teacher picture of your child’s time at Happy Tree Preschool. Let’s share that with Ms. Murphy’s family!
The quilting party will start at around two o’clock this Saturday at my house (directions attached). Snacks (quinoa cakes courtesy of Clean Nummies, apples, and strawberry water) will be provided, as well as a few treats for the grown-ups. Can’t wait to see you all this Saturday!
For obvious reasons, I ask that you hold back on any pictures from the Sunrise Petting Zoo prior to the incident.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
What party?
Did the invitation go home in the buddy bags? My daughter lost her buddy bag last week.
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Anabeth! I loved the handprint invitation last week. Thanks for the follow-up!
Unfortunately, my daughter Jacinda will have her AAU b-ball tournament that day (proud parents!). Would anyone be able to give Jameson a ride? I could do pick-up if it’s after six o’clock.
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning,
I’ve been out of town and I can’t find an invite in the buddy bag. Did I miss something?
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
Thank you so much for setting this up Anabeth! Tristan has been looking forward to this all week!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
I’m sorry, but I’m a little confused. Is this a school project or a party?
Also, my child is new this year. Who is Ms. Murphy?
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning,
I’m so glad that I’m not the only one who didn’t know about this.
Anabeth—you are the room parent, right? Is this a school sanctioned event?
We really need to speak as a group to the Happy Tree office. First no update on the lice incident, and now this.
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Alexandra!
Did you read the email last week? Maybe you missed it!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Leslie!
I’d be happy to give Jameson a ride. Tristan adores him!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I just checked my archives and there was no quilting party invite. No email at all from Anabeth since the silly dress up day celebration.
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning, Green Leaf Class!
My apologies. I accidentally used the wrong address list when sending that last post. I’ve got it sorted out now. Thanks for your understanding.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
Sorry, I’m full of newbie questions.
Wasn’t the email addressed to the Green Leaf class? Our children all go to the same class, correct?
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
Did everyone remember to check your class emails? Anabeth has been planning this for weeks, and I know she has gotten the word out on numerous occasions.
I’m so excited! Now Tristan will always remember his time memorializing his very first teacher, thanks to the lovely silk screened quilt for Ms. Murphy’s family. WTG Anabeth!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Christine,
It’s clear that not everyone has received an invitation for this quilt party, or whatever it is.
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey Kate,
Who’s Ms. Murphy?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey yourself,
Ms. Murphy was Dahlia’s teacher last fall.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Yikes. So when the email said not to show pictures from the petting zoo???
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Yeah. The field trip at Sunrise Petting Zoo was when Ms. Murphy died. So awful. We used to go there all the time when Naomi and Chris were little. I think we’ll be giving it a miss with Dahlia.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Damn. Why the quilt?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good question. Anabeth must have thought a memorial quilt was a good present for Ms. Murphy’s family on the anniversary of her death (?!) I’m guessing the new students this year didn’t get the invite. Probably not the right move, but totally Anabeth.
You want to go? I would love it if you were around.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hell no. I’ve already had enough of those quinoa cakes to last a lifetime.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
This is Maria, Suzann’s mom. We’re new this year.
Just a heads up: If you reply all to the class, everyone can see your messages.
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Oh no. I’m so sorry Ana Beth. Your food is awesome! I’m one of the few crazies that doesn’t like quinoa. But the rest of your catering stuff is really nice.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Afternoon, Green Leaf Class!
No problem! With all of the orders I get coming in I do get a little quinoa crazy and I love to share! I am aware, though, that whole and healthy eating is not everyone’s interest, so I’ll try to cut that down the next time I volunteer to feed the whole class and their parents.
To answer the other question floating on this chain (so many emails!): I did think that it was appropriate that only the kids who were in Ms. Murphy’s class last year should participate in the making of the memorial quilt. That was why I only invited a select group.
Now that I think of it, I’d love to have all of the Green Leaf class come to the quilting party. “You can’t say you can’t play,” as Ms. Murphy always told our children! Everyone should get a chance.
I’ll send a link for the silk screening fee plus the rush order price, which is probably what we’ll have to do now with so many new contributors.
P.S. My name is Anabeth. BTW
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
Great! Thanks for the invite. I know Suzaan would love to come.
Speaking of which, has anyone seen Suzaan’s buddy bag? It’s the one with the dinosaur stamps.
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Why didn’t my daughter get an invitation?
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Jenna. I’m new to this school too! Not sure if you read the whole chain, but Anabeth explained that the quilting party was originally for the late Ms. Murphy’s students. Anabeth has decided to invite all of us now to the quilting party this Saturday. Hope to see you there!
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Maria,
I’m not new to this school or this class. I’ve read all the messages.
My daughter, Carly, was in Ms. Murphy’s class and should have been on the original invitation list. She wasn’t.
Why is that?
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Afternoon, Green Leaf Class!
Hi Jenna! Nice to hear from you. It’s been too long!
As I said before, I think in the spirit of Ms. Murphy’s class, we should all join together to make a lovely memorial. Expect a silk screen link in a few minutes!
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Anabeth.
That didn’t answer my question.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello All.
Thanks for the invitation, Anabeth, but is there another problem here? Are the contact lists not up to date? This could really be an issue, especially during flu season.
I’m super slammed with work right now, but I’ll update the contacts if you want.
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Alexandra!
I really don’t know if that’s completely fair to Anabeth, who, yes, is also the room parent in case people don’t know.
It was Anabeth who created this list at the beginning of the year. She has also been responsible for many of the great special events like silly dress up day.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Afternoon, Green Leaf Class!
No problem here Alexandra! Just a few glitches that I can sort out off this chain with interested parties.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Anabeth,
Am I the interested party?
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Afternoon, Green Leaf Class!
I need to go to drive my older kiddos to practice. Why don’t we table this for right now? I’ll send the link for the silk screens after dinner hour on a separate email. I think we’ve all had enough of this one!
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey Kate,
I’m nursing the baby and can’t reach my phone. Who’s Jenna?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello? Kate?
Did you leave work already?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey back,
Jenna is Carly’s mom.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Oh, please. You have to do better than that. Spill!
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Lord you are nosy, woman. Jenna was one of the coaches at Baby Steps Lacrosse last spring. Daniel Murphy—aka Ms. Murphy’s husband—was the team parent.
They threw the paper plate party for the team afterward and word is they’ve been together ever since.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
What? That is huge!
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Well Ms. Murphy was dead, so there’s that. Besides, Jenna’s single—I think. It’s not weird or anything.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m just amazed anyone our age is able to hook up in this town.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Well, here comes the weird part. You know how Anabeth and her husband were separated last winter?
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m not sure.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
He was the guy we saw crying in the Starbucks drive through on Valentine’s Day.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I barely remember it. I was like twenty months pregnant with Sonja then.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
This is a complete rumor, but what I heard was that Anabeth was hoping something would get going with Dan Murphy. When it didn’t, she took her husband back.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
You magnificent Amazon! How can you possibly know all this?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Boots on the ground. From what I’ve heard, Anabeth showed up at Dan Murphy’s house many times after funeral bearing large quantities of quinoa.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Ick.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Plus, they both go to St. Andrews for children’s mass. You can observe a lot of tortured body language during coffee and cake time.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Bow chika wow wow.
I just realized what time it is. I need to find something to make for dinner.
See you tomorrow.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi,
I don’t have time to read the whole chain, but I’d like to put in that my wife and I will come to the party with our son Wren. Thanks for organizing.
Question: Did one of you already sign a contract with the silk screen? Did you check the prices on all of the bids? I ask because it’s easy to get burned by the stores if you don’t know the right person to talk to. Let me know if you need my help.
Dereck Hamilton
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m truly saddened by this disgusting exchange.
Kate—I didn’t think that you were capable of such casual cruelty. Lydia—I’m not sure exactly who you are, but I assume that you would like to think of yourself as a decent human being.
Let me assure you that Anabeth, her marriage, and whatever it is that Jenna has chosen to do is no one’s business.
I am particularly saddened that this noxious indifference is on an email chain for a quilting party celebrating an amazing woman who taught our beloved children.
I have no idea how you could possibly give an adequate apology to Anabeth, but I hope you attempt to do so soon.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Christine,
Is something wrong?
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi,
This is Lydia, Max’s mom. Did I miss something?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
This is Maria again. It would be really great if everyone remembered the reply-all rule.
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I am so sorry. I was on my phone at work and got distracted. It was completely unconscious on my part.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I apologize. In our defense, if it’s clearly a private conversation displayed in error, people should probably stop reading.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
I was hoping to start a new email with party info, but since everyone seems to like staying on this one so much, I figured I’d post an update here:
The quilting party honoring Ms. Murphy will now include all of the Green Leaf Class, whether they knew Ms. Murphy or not.
Please see the attached link for silk screen options for the quilt square. If your child is a new addition to the Green Leaf Class, I’d advise you to use a nice picture of our school and not your child. I’d hate to think that Ms. Murphy’s family will be left to wonder why perfect strangers are on a quilt that was supposed to honor their mother and wife, so I do ask you to be sensitive to this unexpected situation that we now find ourselves in.
If anyone has any dietary restrictions (or if they just don’t like quinoa) please let me know ASAP so that I may find the time to make some other options.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Green Leaf Class,
Let me introduce myself. I’m Jenna of the lacrosse paper plate party and Carly’s mom. I’m currently seeing the late Ms. Murphy’s husband whose name is Daniel.
Jenna
P.S. I’m single BTW.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
Jenna, I’m sure this must be a tough time for you, what with your divorce and introducing other partners to your little girl. You have my sympathy. Having said that, I’m not sure if your attempts at humor are appropriate right now.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Thanks for the tip Anabeth, but I wasn’t trying to be funny.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi,
It looks as if some of us are more out of the loop than others.
I’d like to reach out to the parent quilting committee and ask that all parents be remembered in class planning.
Being a stay-at-home dad, I find myself cut off from many of the opportunities afforded the other parents in Happy Tree Preschool. I can’t help but wonder if the situation was reversed and I was the lone woman in a group of guys, my plight would be given more consideration.
Dereck Hamilton
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
I’m so sorry that your feelings were hurt, Dereck, by this mass email inviting everyone into Anabeth’s home for a quilting party.
What troubles me the most is that you have not once joined the other stay-at-home fathers for their ‘Glad to be a Dad’ coffee hour that Anabeth has organized every other Tuesday in the school multi-purpose room for the past three years. It’s horrible to know that you were unaware of all of those meetings. Perhaps you weren’t able to notice since you usually drop Wren off at kiss and ride instead of walking him into the school.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Thanks for your concern. Very helpful. Glad you got that out of your system.
Dereck Hamilton
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Is Dereck man bun dad or Frisbee dad?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
Hi Lydia. Do you remember what I said about ‘reply all’?
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey Maria,
I remembered it. I just figured asking everyone would be quicker.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi!
I’m Kevin, Chelsea’s dad. I think I’m the Frisbee dad so Dereck must be man bun. This is quite a thread here.
Kevin
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Everyone,
I think that this email exchange has gotten off the rails and, at over twelve hours, has gone on a bit too long. I’m sure I speak for most of the parents on this thread when I suggest we put a pin in this discussion until tomorrow. There’s no need to drag all sixteen families on this class list into this disagreement. Have a great night!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Christine,
You are not speaking for me. It’s about time all of the parents are able to interact with each other. Especially since so many families left last year after you and Anabeth got through with them.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
Jenna, last year was a sad time for everyone. It was natural that some people left.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Do you have that blessing on auto sign? You might want to change that.
It wasn’t natural that people left. They left after all the accusations you and Christine flung at us after Ms. Murphy’s death.
The poor woman died from eating a cookie. It’s horrible and makes no sense, but that’s what happened.
But that wasn’t enough for you. All of those mean words. Those missed invites. The deliberate shut out of our kids when all they wanted to do was play with their classmates. It’s amazing more people didn’t leave the school.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Is that how she died? From a cookie?
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
No, Ms. Murphy didn’t die from a cookie. She died as a result of some careless actions by truly well-meaning Green Leaf parents. No one person is to blame.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Except Arianna’s mom who set up the picnic spot where no one could get cell service. Right? Or was it Jim Sines because he lost the EpiPen from the emergency buddy bag? Leslie didn’t go to the right entrance to flag down the EMTs. Joey’s grandma passed out the walnut butter cookies to Ms. Murphy instead of the oat ones. And supposedly I’m the one who had her eye on Dan Murphy from the start. We’ve all heard these rumors. Did you think we couldn’t figure out where they came from?
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Was it Anabeth who blocked my nomination for the safety committee at Happy Tree?
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m not sure.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Because that was not my fault! Christine was the one who told me to go to the Peter Pig entrance instead of the Lucy Lamb gate.
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Leslie!
I have no memory of that, but if I did point you in the wrong direction I am terribly sorry.
As for the other issue, Jenna. I find your insistence in badgering Anabeth and myself very rude. It reflects the choices you’ve made this year. If you’d like to discuss this further I suggest we do it a later date and in private.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Christine,
Since you just called me out, in public, as a maker of rude choices, I think I’ll just keep talking here.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi,
I just want to put in that my husband and I are good friends with Jim Sines and he swears he saw the EpiPen in the emergency buddy bag before he handed the bag over to one of the class happy helpers to carry to the baby chick presentation.
Also, I don’t like the tone of this thread.
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
They let the kids acting as happy helpers hold the emergency buddy bags with medication? I thought that wasn’t allowed?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
New rule this year, for obvious reasons.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Which kid was carrying the emergency buddy bag?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi,
This is Kevin again.
I think there are supposed to be two to a chore, but I know that Chelsea was one of the emergency buddy bag happy helpers. I have pictures of her holding it up on my screen saver rotation.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Do you know who the other happy helper was?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I can check my photo files. It might take a while.
Kevin
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
I know a lot of unfortunate talk has gone back and forth today, and I for one would like to apologize to everyone, especially Anabeth.
I really hope this quilting party will bring our children together in the happiest way possible.
Good night!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
Please find the link below for the silkscreen app and pricing. Don’t worry if you find that you can’t make it to the quilting party on such short notice.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Tristan was the other chore helper.
Kevin
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Who are Tristan’s parents?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi. Again.
I’ve just finished reading through this mess you ladies have going. FYI, Joey’s grandma didn’t pass out cookies. It was one of you guys.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
What are you talking about?
Alexandra Cunningham
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
The one with the blond.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Dereck,
This is Lydia, Max’s mom. The one with the blond what? Hair?
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Dereck,
This is Lydia again. Did you get my last message?
Everything okay with you?
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Yes! Thank you for asking and for your service. I have had a scotch and am feeling.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
Feeling what? Is this person all right?
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Everyone,
Dereck’s fine. He and Elise live next door to me. He’s on his deck and is waving at me right now.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Kate! Hi! I hate your dog.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I know, Dereck. Have a good night.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
The one with the blond stripe is the one who passed cookies.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Is he talking about me? Because if he is, he’s completely wrong. I never touched the cookies, and my highlights are hardly stripes.
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Not you. The one with the blond stripes. Highlights? Looks like a zebra.
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
Dereck, I know we’ve had our disagreements, but for you to accuse me of having anything to do with Mrs. Murphy’s death is just plain malicious.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/ Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Dereck,
I know there was talk last fall, but you know it’s not true. Anabeth was helping me get the kids through the porta pottie lines the whole time.
I don’t like her either, but you can’t just make accusations like that.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I know that. It was her friend. The short blond stripes.
I’m out. Night!
Dereck
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m guessing we all know who he’s talking about. Did anyone else see her pass out cookies?
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I don’t want to say this, but I think she might have been the one who knocked over the cookie table.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
What do you mean?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
David’s sister was one of the first police officers at the scene. One of the things she told me later was that, thanks to the cookies spilling on the ground and getting trampled, the forensic people could never get a clear read as to what cookies had nuts in them or not.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
To answer your question Lydia: Tristan is my son.
I never thought to interrogate my little guy over the loss of Mrs. Murphy’s EpiPen, and I doubt he remembers it now. Sorry!
A number of us helped Joey’s grandma pass the cookies out. The poor lady looked so tired!
I don’t remember knocking over the table of cookies. Are you absolutely sure of that, Kate?
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Everyone!
Since I haven’t heard back from you, Kate, I’m going to guess that you never saw me knock over the table at all. It would be kind of weird if you were the only one to have seen that!
I’m going to try to turn in and get a little sleep. See everyone tomorrow at school!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Everyone,
I saw Christine knock over the table. I’m sure of that.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi Kate!
So strange that it’s only now that you remember this!
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening. Green Leaf Class!
Christine, I saw you knock over the table.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
This is Maria, Suzaan’s mom. I don’t know how to phrase this, but if this is some sort of joke that only a few of you are in on, this should stop right now.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hi All!
No joke on this end, Maria. This is going to be one fun quilting party, don’t you think?
Looks like Anabeth isn’t answering any of my private messages or texts, so I’m going to just try my luck here: Please call me back. I can explain everything.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
This was all for you, Anabeth.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
You give so much to everyone. I wanted something nice for you.
I thought he would love you if he had the chance. Who wouldn’t?
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
I was questioned by the police, Christine. They tore through my kitchen and all of my supplies. Clean Nummies Inc. has yet to recoup the loss of revenue I suffered on account of that incident. They were my cookies that were served, Christine, did you ever once think of that?
I never needed your help in any way.
You are so very selfish. Christine. I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
I’m so sorry.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Anabeth.
Please.
Christine
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Everyone,
I’m trying to get in touch with Christine right now, but she’s not answering her cell phone. Does anyone have her home phone? It’s not in the directory.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
It’s 555-8146
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
No answer. Does anyone have her husband’s cell?
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Anabeth, can you help us out here?
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Leslie, do you know where Christine lives? She opted out of the address section.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Only by area. We haven’t had a playdate or anything. I know the street, though. I’m trying to figure out what her address is on Google maps. I’ll be right back.
Leslie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hello,
Christine, are you there?
Maria
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Hey Christine,
Whatever happened can be worked out. Just let us know you’re okay.
Lydia
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Anabeth,
At least give us the street address.
Jenna
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Leslie got it. I called. The police are going over.
Kate
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Evening, Green Leaf Class!
Good.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning!
So nice to be back! Disney World was a zoo, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!
I just checked the first message on the school email chain. Is there a party this weekend?
Janie
* * * *
To: Green Leaf Class at Happy Tree Preschool
Subject: Quilting party this Saturday!
Good Morning, Green Leaf Class!
It’s canceled.
I believe there is a GoFundMe account for Christine’s legal and medical fees, if anyone is interested in contributing.
I’m not.
Blessings,
Anabeth Johnson/Clean Nummies Inc.
Sarah Cotter is delighted to have her work published for the first time. She would like to thank the Chessie chapter of Sisters in Crime for the opportunity! An avid lover of all things mystery, Sarah has written for the online blogs Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Rants From Mommyland, and numerous theater guides. When not working on her first full-length novel or volunteering, Sarah works as a substitute teacher in a school that bears absolutely no resemblance to Happy Tree. Follow her on Instagram: @SarahCotterWritesMysteries.